University for and with Waste Pickers (UNICATA)

Expanding access to knowledge and promoting

transformation based on Paulo Freire's pedagogy

ABOUT UNICATA

UNICATA is a university created by and for waste pickers of recyclable materials in Brazil, inspired by the principles of popular education developed by Paulo Freire.

OUR MISSION

To produce knowledge and reflections that support waste pickers in becoming critical social actors engaged in social and environmental transformation within their communities.

PARTNERS

International and Brazilian universities, the National Movement of Waste Pickers of Recyclable Materials, social movements, and other organizations.

OUR PURPOSE

POPULAR EDUCATION SERVING THOSE WHO CARE FOR THE PLANET

We break away from the traditional teaching model. Here, waste pickers are not merely objects of study, but protagonists. Based on Paulo Freire's pedagogy, we create an environment where everyone teaches and everyone learns.

ABOUT US

COURSE

TRAINING IN MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE

Our course promotes the inclusion of waste pickers in solid waste management. A solid training to build, in practice, a more sustainable and fair society.

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CLASSROOMS

WHERE POPULAR EDUCATION HAPPENS

We occupy learning spaces in São Paulo and Brasília, where the local reality of each waste picker connects to a global network of knowledge and transformation.

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PARTNERS

INSTITUTIONS THAT BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PROTAGONISM

We count on the support of organizations that understand popular education as a driver of social innovation. Together, we technically validate and politically strengthen the work of those who are essential to society.

OUR PARTNERS